Sponsor a Family

Share your bounty!

Hunger can become more than an abstract concept for your child when you provide monthly groceries for a family in need.

Possible recipients

This is a project through Family-to-Family, a national hunger relief organization that serves over 430 families in 20 of our poorest communities. For project details, go to Sponsor a Family.

What you’ll need

Your monthly donation

Depending on the option you choose, you’ll need to buy groceries and personal care items, along with a box and postage

Paper and writing materials (optional)

Instructions

Choose one of three ways to sponsor a family.

Option 1: Gather four or more families to form a donating group to pack and send groceries each month. Learn about Option 1.

Option 2: Participate online. Sign up and get matched with a family. $31 will automatically be deducted from your account every month to assist one family in buying groceries and other necessities. To make the experience more “hands-on,” you send a personal care item and/or letter each month. Learn about Option 2.

Option 3: If you want to contribute at a reduced cost ($15.50 per month), this option lets two donors help one family in need. To connect with your family, you have the option of sending a letter and/or personal care item each month. Learn about Option 3.

Reflections

What would it feel like to rely on another family to get your groceries?

What types of food and other items do you think are most important to send someone who needs them?

How would life be different for you if you had to think about where your next meal was coming from?

What things could our family do if we needed to save on food costs?

Resources

The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need by Stan and Jan Berenstain (Random House Books for Young Readers, 1999). Ages 4 and up. Mama Bear teaches her family that their unused items can make a difference to others.

Gettin’ Through Thursday by Melrose Cooper (Lee & Low Books, 2000). Ages 5 and up. A young boy is excited to have a celebration for making honor roll. Unfortunately, he gets the news on a Thursday, the day before his mother gets paid. But she still finds a way to celebrate.

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor (Aladdin, 1998). Ages 7 and up. A young girl learns from her family that being rich is not just about material wealth.